About this trip

Taking you inside America's impressive canyon country, we explore the incredible natural structures of Arches and Canyonlands National Parks, Mesa Verde and the Grand Canyon.

You'll enjoy Insider moments like... visiting 'John Wayne's Cabin' at Goulding's Lodge, which was actually Mike Goulding's potato cellar and once used to store fruits and vegetables. Inside the cabin, you'll find a mockup of the Hollywood set and a vast array of still shots from 'She Wore a Yellow Ribbon ', filmed here in 1949 by director John Ford.

Welcome to the Mile High City. Nestled between the High Plains and the majestic Rockies, Denver entices visitors and locals alike with sunny blue skies and snowcapped peaks. After settling in at your hotel, head out on your own to take in some of Denver's attractions. At 6 p.m., gather at the hotel with your Travel Director and fellow travellers for a Welcome Reception.

Head toward the mountains this morning as you ascend into the foothills of the Rockies and cross the Continental Divide on your way to the resort destination of Vail. Founded in 1966 at the base of the largest ski mountain in the United States, this pretty alpine village has an old-world feel that attracts outdoor enthusiasts.Then it's on to Moab where, in the late 1940s, the legendary John Ford discovered the area's rugged beauty and filmed the first of many movies here. Tonight is yours - perhaps opt for taking in the sunset over the red cliffs. If you're in the mood for more excitement, try a jet boat ride along the mighty Colorado River with a dinner.

Hotel

BW Plus Canyonlands Inn

Meals

Full Breakfast

Hotel

BW Plus Canyonlands Inn

Meals

Full Breakfast

Optional Experiences

Colardo Jetboat Cruise and Dinner

Begin the evening with a delicious barbecue dinner with views of Moab’s red rocks and the Colorado River. Then, take a ride aboard one of the newest and most modern fleet of jet boats for an excursion on one of the most scenic stretches of the river. You will experience calm water sections down river from Moab, with remote canyons and exquisite beauty. View spectacular red rock cliffs, Indian ruins, arches and ancient petro glyphs – a photographer’s and nature lover’s delight! Approx. tour length: 1.5 hours. (Minimum: 10 passengers).

Today, embark on a journey to explore two National Parks. Discover stunning Canyonlands National Park and visit magnificent Arches National Park where the wind and rain have eroded the sandstone into more than 2,000 natural arches. Wander through a kaleidoscope of geologic time as you watch the light play upon the ancient, multi-hued stone. Enjoy the rest of the day to discover on your own.

Travel south this morning through a mesmerising landscape dotted with natural arches and rock formations, framed by the jagged Rockies in the distance. Crossing back into Colorado, skirt the edge of the San Juan National Forest before arriving at the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Mesa Verde National Park. Between 600 and 1300 A.D., the Ancestral Puebloan people carved houses and entire communities out of the sandstone along the canyon walls. Explore some of the cliff-top buildings and look down at the massive Cliff House, the largest cliff dwelling in the world; then spend some time learning about the culture and traditions of this once-great civilisation. This evening, enjoy a unique Navajo cookout Regional Meal in Monument Valley before returning to your hotel.

This morning, after a tour of the Monument Valley floor in an open-air vehicle, wind your way through the ancestral home of the Navajo people, stopping at Cameron Trading Post to browse through handicrafts and maybe enjoy some tasty fry bread. This afternoon, follow scenic Desert View Drive before arriving at the Grand Canyon, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Immerse yourself in the stunning panoramic views from the South Rim. This afternoon, meet with a Local Specialist who will walk you through the geologic life of the canyon and enjoy the chance to examine the multi-coloured rocks from different eras of the canyon's formation. Toast your grand adventure and your new lifelong memories at a Farewell Dinner inside the park.

Hotel

National Park Lodges

Meals

Full Breakfast

Farewell Dinner

Hotel

National Park Lodges

Meals

Full Breakfast

Farewell Dinner

Optional Experiences

North Canyon Tour - 25-30 Min. Helicopter Flight. Bell Aircraft

Experience the magnitude of the Grand Canyon and its splendor of ever-changing color in a perspective incomparable to any other method of seeing this “Wonder of the World.” Your tour takes you over the Kaibab National Forest and into the deepest portion of the Grand Canyon, through the Dragon Corridor, and continues to the North Rim, where you view the incredible geological differences between the North and South Rims. During your return to the South Rim, enjoy breathtaking views of temples, shrines and rock formations sculpted by time while flying above the widest portion of the mighty Colorado River. Subject to weather conditions. Flight duration: 25-30 minutes. Tour length: 2 hours. (Prices include taxes and USD 6 local fees).

Experience the magnitude of the Grand Canyon and its splendor of ever-changing color in a perspective incomparable to any other method of seeing this “Wonder of the World.” Your tour takes you over the Kaibab National Forest and into the deepest portion of the Grand Canyon, through the Dragon Corridor, and continues to the North Rim, where you view the incredible geological differences between the North and South Rims. During your return to the South Rim, enjoy breathtaking views of temples, shrines and rock formations sculpted by time while flying above the widest portion of the mighty Colorado River. Subject to weather conditions. Included PRIMETIME Supplement applies from Apr 1-Oct 15 Flight duration: 25-30 minutes. Tour length: 2 hours. (Prices include taxes and USD 6 local fees).

Adult Price: US$229.00

Imperial - 45-50 Min. Ecostar Helicopter Flight PGG-2E

Fly the EC 130, the “newest and quietest” helicopters in the Grand Canyon with larger windows, and all seats facing forward. Embark on this 45-50 minute tour of the Eastern Grand Canyon that combines with the renowned beauty of The North Canyon tour. Enjoy spectacular views of the Painted Desert and Colorado River. Subject to weather conditions. Flight duration: 40-50 minutes. Tour length: 2 hours. (Prices include taxes and $6 local fees).

Fly the EC 130, the “newest and quietest” helicopters in the Grand Canyon with larger windows, and all seats facing forward. Embark on this 45-50 minute tour of the Eastern Grand Canyon that combines with the renowned beauty of The North Canyon tour. Enjoy spectacular views of the Painted Desert and Colorado River. Subject to weather conditions. Flight duration: 40-50 minutes. Approx. total tour length: 2 hours. (Prices include taxes and USD 6 local fees, and PRIMETIME Supplement for Apr 1-Oct 15th flights).

Adult Price: US$329.00

South Rim Airplane Tour - 45-50 Min. Fixed-Wing Aircraft Flight

The original air tour of the Grand Canyon and the best value! Board an ultra-quiet small aircraft for a 40-45 minute Grand Discovery flight over the Grand Canyon. This tour covers the most famous and beautiful parts of the Grand Canyon including the Eastern Zuni Corridor, the Confluence and the North Rim and returns through the Western Dragon Corridor. Subject to weather conditions. Flight duration: 40-50 minutes. Tour length: 2 hours. (Prices include taxes and USD 6 local fees).

The original air tour of the Grand Canyon and the best value! Board an ultra-quiet small aircraft for a 40-45 minute Grand Discovery flight over the Grand Canyon. This tour covers the most famous and beautiful parts of the Grand Canyon including the Eastern Zuni Corridor, the Confluence and the North Rim and returns through the Western Dragon Corridor. Subject to weather conditions. Included PRIMETIME Supplement applies from Apr 1-Oct 15 Flight duration: 40-50 minutes. Tour length: 2 hours. (Prices include taxes and USD 6 local fees).

Rise early to catch the first rays of light as they illuminate the canyon. Perhaps take an optional helicopter or fixed-wing aircraft flightseeing trip to view the canyon from the sky. Hit the road again, stopping along famed Route 66 hot spots, Seligman and Kingman. Driving through these desert oases is like cruising back in time to see the classic motels, diners and gas stations of a simpler time. Then it's full speed ahead to glittering Las Vegas.

Hotel

Tropicana Las Vegas

Meals

Full Breakfast

Hotel

Tropicana Las Vegas

Meals

Full Breakfast

Day 6

Day 7

Depart Las VegasDay 7 - Depart Las Vegas

This morning, a transfer is provided to Las Vegas International Airport or perhaps choose to extend your stay at the SLS Las Vegas.

Meals

Full Breakfast

Meals

Full Breakfast

Optional Experiences

Vegas! The Show

Come and experience what is hailed as the only show in Vegas, about Vegas! VEGAS! The Show will take you by the hand back in time to experience the iconic stars and personalities that helped to define the soul that created the Sin City we know today! Featuring some of the most beautiful showgirls in Vegas, and some of the best voices in the country, you can hear all of the hits from your favorite stars while witnessing the greatest moments that helped define Las Vegas as the Entertainment Capital of the World. So don't hesitate, and come see for yourself why VEGAS! The Show was voted "Best Show in Las Vegas" by Broadway World! From the crooners of the Rat Pack to Sonny & Cher, Elvis Presley and so many more. Experience the iconic personalities that helped shape the story of one of the greatest cities on Earth. Backed by a live big band orchestra, "Santa Fe and The Fat City Horns", this is the only production that will recreate the class, sass and excitement of old Las Vegas right before your eyes! In addition enjoy a dinner buffet at Planet Hollywood's Spice Market Buffet.

Adult Price: US$85.00

Vegas Night Helicopter Flight (12-15 mins)

Enjoy the "City of Lights" from the best view possible – the sky - aboard a helicopter, flying over the megaresorts of the Las Vegas Strip from the New York-New York skyline to the Bellagio fountains and the never-fading light of the Luxor pyramid. You will be collected from your hotel to the Las Vegas heliport and returned to your hotel; prior to your departure from the Las Vegas heliport, you will be served champagne. Then, you will experience breathtaking sights from inside an ECO-Star helicopter, the "limousine of the sky." (Duration: 3.5 hours; flight time approximately 12-15 mins).

Adult Price: US$124.00

Hoover Dam Excursion

This trip includes a 45-minute trip to the Hoover Dam in a luxury motorcoach. Along the way, your professional driver will tell you about points of interest. You can sit back and enjoy the scenic beauty of the southwest Nevada desert. As you wind your way towards the dam, you will be treated to views of the largest man-made reservoir in the United States, Lake Mead. Formed from the Colorado River by the construction of the Hoover Dam, Lake Mead provides water and recreational opportunities for the region. The VIP Tour takes you down inside of the Hoover Dam where you will see and learn about the massive electric producing generators. Learn details about the incredible effort it took to build the concrete structure and its importance to this part of the United States. Once above, you will have time to go inside the Visitors Center, visit the museum and view a short film on the dam's construction.

Adult Price: US$65.00

Day 7

Available Departures

Please see http://www.trafalgar.com:80/can/tours/best-of-the-canyonlands for the latest discounts & departure information.

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Guest Reviews and Ratings

As a first time traveler with your tour, I enjoy a lot and it was also very educational tour.

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Our tour director was very knowledgeable and a happy & witty person. she made the tour most njoyabl.

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Service:

Service rating : We thoroughly enjoyed our tour. However, this screen opened with 3 stars already filled in. As for the question, too broad. Tour guide? Hotels? Transportation? Included meals? Running out of characters.Product : The parks were uplifting and beyond anything we could have

Trip prices are per person, land only, based on double occupancy and reflect applicable discount. Discounts are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice.

Trip prices are correct at the time of the products going live, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking. All trip information is correct at time of trips going live, however are subject to change - please confirm all details at time of booking.

Twin-share option not available for trips to South America, Costa Rica, Mexico, Alaska, Hawaii or for any holiday & cruise combination, or in Asia and Eastern Mediterranean except Highlights of Turkey (without cruise) & Best of Turkey. It's also not available on Small Group trips. Guided Vacations included in this restriction are Newfoundland and Labrador (DNLA) as well as Panama, the Canal & Beyond (LPAN).

For trips that are part of our Guaranteed Room Share, please note that there is a no smoking policy in all shared rooms. Solo travel is not accepted on guided Family Experiences holidays unless travelling as part of a family group.